24 October, 2008

We're dropping 35mm smooth Honjo fenders and have ordered 37mm smooth polished Honjos instead. The idea is that the new 37mm size will fit 28mm tires. These should be here in a couple of weeks

The 52mm 700c VO smooth fenders will be replaced by a new model, 52mm Zeppelin profile fenders that are pre-drilled. We expect them in about 2-3 months.

A small shipment of 35mm Honjo hammered fenders has just arrived. We bought these from another importer since our own shipment won't be here for months. The specs are a little different than the VO version, but close. When these sell out we might not see more before spring.

We are also talking about three new models. The first is a VO 36mm smooth fender, a less expensive alternative to the Honjos mentioned above. We are also considering a wider 700c fender, something between 58mm and 64mm. Finally we might get a wider polished stainless steel 700c fender, maybe 50 or 55mm.

As we re-order Velo Orange fenders we will start getting them pre-drilled at the fork crown, stays, and chain bridge; the seat stay attachment is still a sliding bridge. We are hearing from our customers, and especially shops that sell VO fenders, that almost everyone prefers the pre-drilled type. In our experience they fit perfectly on 99% of bikes. This might add $2 to the price, but will save installers some work.

Also, I think the VO sliding bridge in the pre-drilled fenders is too flexible. The fenders are great, but that bridge is junk. Either go with a thicker piece that's pre-bent, like Berthouds have, or include an L bracket and require the installer to drill 2 holes. The current bridge just rattles.

Wow! Crystalize my thoughts into words! Love the direction on the pre-drilled. I always had to approach the undrilled style one fender per evening just to make sure I got it right, so this will make things easier. Also think the slightly wider fenders to accomodate 28 is better, too, as you could just barely get a 28 in the smaller version if the stars (er, stays!) aligned just right. I was just telling my friend yesterday how your fender choices have grown so much over the last year. It's really nice. Thanks!

Slightly off topic: I'll be running 650b 32 - 35 tires on a 700c frame (canti bosses relocated for 650b wheels). What size VO fenders would you recommend? The pre-drilled (for 700c) would still fit right in the frame, I presume.

I'd rather not have the fork crown holes predrilled. The front fender loses versitility in attachment method and placement. I have two sets of VO fenders and neither use the included fork attachment hardware. Both of my fenders are positioned differently, one protrudes further from the fork crown to match the length of a front rack. Drill the other holes if you must, but the fork crown hole is best left drilled by the end user for aestetic and functional reasons.

I would love a 36mm, fully pre-drilled (those of us without proper workshops and unwilling to pay the LBS to do it really appreciate them) VO fender to fit my road bike with 28mm tires and 47-57mm calipers.

Yes please! to reasonably priced VO fenders that nicely fit 700c x 28 tires. I would use these on old steel roadbikes converted to city duty (including a frame built for 27" wheels now configured as a 700c fixie). Hopefully in time for spring!

Just remember that to run a wider fender of 58-64mm, most bike frames won't accept that, even cyclo cross. Well maybe retro cruisers, but are you really marketing to that crowd?

I have a Surley Cross Check frame, which probably has the most clearance of any widely available cyclo/commuting frame; and Berthoud 60mm fenders will have to be 'swaged' to fit in between the fork crown and the chain/seat stays.

IMO, 52mm is the widest practical fender you can fit for the commuter/cyclo/mtb conversion, crowd.

I would prefer an aluminum Honjo 52mm (50-55mm) fender, hammered finish, extra long. If you make a stainless steel fender, you are essentially making what Berthoud already makes.

I agree with Keith on the ultra-wide fenders. The idea is cool, but chances are the only bikes you'd find to fit them would be certain 29er mountain bikes. Even the Long Haul trucker can't fit a 60mm Berthoud without some trimming and/or bending, and it has a considerable amount of clearance compared to many bikes. Considering how large the fenders were on many of the old constructeur bikes, it's a shame that modern bikes are so lacking in that department, even very practical bikes like the LHT.

52mm 650B/650A stainless in something other than a smooth pattern. Could you do a Zeppelin in SS? Longer than the Berthoud but not as long as your hammered fenders. Intended for utilitarian bikes that don't have a second fender strut up front and may be used on bus bike racks.

+1 for more pre-drilled fenders. Also, I think there's enough people out there commuting on 29ers with Big Apple tires to justify really fat fenders. Maybe not gonna be the bestest sellers ever, but there is some demand out there, I bet.

these are gorgeous looking, from what I can see :) Id love some for my ride, they'll be a great match. Also, currently looking for a chain guard for a vintage (2ble rim) bike. hard to find around here.

I'm also in favor of some fatty 700c fenders. There are plenty of folks on commuter 29ers like the Karate Monkey, etc. who would love a different option than plastic. You may not sell a ton of them, but this niche product seems to be jsut what VO is about. Consider all the positive comments that the Rawland bikes have gotten (they'll take fat 700c), not to mention the buzz around the Salsa Fargo.

SURLY is the house brand of the biggest wholesale bike parts distributor, QBP. They are average quality Taiwanese frames and a little cheaper than "name brand" frames. They are nice utilitarian frames, but nothing to get excited about.

I see a lot of folks asking for more 650b choices. The problem is that there are still not that many 650b bikes out there. We probably sell ten sets of 700c fenders for every set of 650b fenders. So we simply can't invest as much in 650b fenders; we have to import a large quantity of each model. As more 650b bikes get built this will change and we hope to offer more models.

I love my current VO fenders, but I'm not sure I would have bought them if they were pre drilled. Call me picky, but I liked the ability to adjust the mounting holes (and thus the fender position) to my liking.

I, too, would throw my vote in against pre-drilling. I like to mount my rear fenders in the French style, with about 2" protruding below the chainstays; if the rear is pre-drilled at the chainstay bridge, I'll either have to not do that or have a big hole in the exposed fender.

I think I would prefer them un-drilled, it's well worth the time to have a perfect-fitting set of fenders.

I'm looking forward to my next set.

Now that sliding VO brake bridge, it's just horrible, I did away with mine after about two rides.I drilled out the two rivets and used the L bracket. It made the fender fit much better too.Have a look!http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2685591101_7eaa45e9fe_o.jpg

Yes, yes, yes! 700c 50c (29er) tires are getting very popular on mountain and comfort bikes. A smooth metal chrome and metal fluted fender at a 65mm width would be perfect. Having them available in black with white rear end would be wonderful also. With a moderate or agressive tread on a 700x50c tire, a 60mm fender just is not wide enough to contain mud, gravel, and splashes but a 65mm width is perfect--it makes a big difference.

Pre-drilled, yes. Wide flat metal stays, please, look much better and give a finished factory look to the fenders. If you do use rolled metal bar stays have them wrap around the outside of the rear fender to serve as scratch/brush guards while allowing for adjustment space--not pointy rods sticking up like ugly antennas that look like bubba-rigged specials. Take a look at Amsterdam commuter bike fenders for inspiration on this. having an available compatible rear reflector to buy would be the cherry on top. Thanks for asking for input. How refreshing but not unexpected from you guys. Keep doing it right.